Hot Off The Comics Press: Picks Of The Week 22 June

Disney Pixar have had an incredible run of feature films, with an almost consistent output of critically acclaimed 5-star ventures – bar one, Cars. Although by no means a bad film, it didn't quite capture the magic so abundant in their other productions such as Toy Story and Up. However, it was Cars that proved one of the most popular and thus embedded itself in the sensibilities of young children now obsessed with all things Lightning McQueen.With that, Marvel will be helping the merchandise train steam along for the sequel with Cars 2 #1. Written by Alessandro Ferrari (really?) this is perfect for appeasing those most rabid of young fans until the films release this July.

Elsewhere at Marvel the Fear Itself event rages ever on in a fairly consistent output of high quality tie-ins. This week sees a double-sized issue of Thunderbolts #159 written by Jeff Parker (with contributors) and sees Marvels prison isle, The Raft, raised by one of the most powerful villains now wielding a Thor-like hammer of the gods.

If you are not feeling Fear Itself then perhaps turn to Marvels New Mutants #26 by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. Why? You may ask; well, besides being a new chapter in the series, with a new line-up and new M.O., the series also hints at the return of a fan-favourite once thought lost. A good jumping on point for new readers and those already in the know.

With DC announcing its incredibly confusing reboot details, it appears Batman will not be rebooted, just renumbered. So it's safe, and advisable, to continue reading the excellent Batman: Gates of Gotham #2 (of 6), by Scott Snyder (American Vampire). This series is an outstanding homage to the detective comics that inspired Batman's premise; taught, suspenseful and a must for Bat-fans.